Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2020

Criticised the government for failing to deliver a full budget before the election and for record debt of $102 billion, broken fiscal principles, and 234,000 unemployed Queenslanders. Argued the appropriation bills represent a blank cheque with no economic plan.

“Labor's failure to produce a full budget before the election shows that they do not have an economic plan and they are hiding from scrutiny.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard

Supported the bills as necessary for Queensland's COVID-19 recovery and detailed government investment in the Redlands electorate across roads, education, hospital and local business support.

“Our strong health response has meant that we are able to have a stronger economy, recovering from the impacts of COVID going forward faster than anywhere else in Australia.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard

Opposed the bills, arguing the government has hidden its financial position by cancelling the budget. Criticised $102 billion debt, failure of all fiscal principles, and the Treasurer's lack of knowledge of key financial figures.

“In six years Labor has racked up a record $102 billion of debt because it has lost control of spending.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard

Supported the bills, arguing the opposition refuses to acknowledge COVID-19's impact and that Queensland's strong health response has protected its economy. Highlighted government investment in Logan schools, ambulance stations and police.

“The underlying equation is simple. The greater the success against the virus, the greater the success in protecting economies against the pandemic.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard

Would not vote against the bills as government functions must continue, but heavily criticised the government's financial mismanagement, record debt, and neglect of his electorate's infrastructure needs including Nambour Hospital and police station.

“No wonder there is no need for additional funding: the job that this minister is responsible for is not being done.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard

Supported the bills, highlighting the government's $11 billion COVID stimulus package, investments in renewable energy, tax relief for small businesses and infrastructure in his electorate.

“We have a solid economic plan to create jobs by investing in infrastructure, buying locally, kickstarting Queensland manufacturing and supporting our small business.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard

Would not vote against the bills as teachers, police and public servants must be paid, but criticised the government's financial position, failures in mine safety inspections, and neglect of the resources sector and primary production.

“I will not be voting against these bills because our teachers, our Corrective Services officers, our police and our fireys deserve to be paid for what they do for this state.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard